Attorney General Peter F. Kilmartin issued the following statement in response to the Rhode Island Supreme Court decision upholding the 2010 conviction of Charles Pona for the murder of Jennifer Rivera:
"Jennifer Rivera was a brave young woman whose life was cut short by a ruthless and violent murderer trying to eliminate the only eyewitness to his crimes. Despite his efforts to thwart justice, today's Supreme Court decision reaffirms the rightful conviction for her murder. Charles Pona was afforded every opportunity for a fair trial that our judicial system provides every individual, despite his brazen and ruthless actions. While I am pleased with the Supreme Court decision to affirm his conviction, which brings to an end the long and difficult journey of this case, it can never ease the pain Jennifer's family and the community lives with each day.
Jennifer – who will 'forever will be associated with virtue and valor' - had the courage to stand up to and testify against Charles Pona. I hope it brings her family some solace knowing that Jennifer's belief and trust in the judicial system was not in vain and justice has finally been served."